Hello to all, first time browser, have checked out 'topics' and FAQ on here for a tale like my own but no joy so even though I fear I may well get shot down in flames, hey what the hell, I'll ask anyway!

Will make a few itemised comments for clarity and to hopefully enable some kind soul to kick me in the right direction.

1. Had 24 years in IT done all sorts, rose through ranks, well known companies and numerous courses along the way but no 'formally recognised' qualifications to show. Left mainstream employment six years ago due to both parents health issues (became full time carer, both since deceased). Now looking for a way back in.

2. Went through old BS5750 couple of times, then iso9000 couple of times, was prob better organised than majority of my peers but have to say our own internal systems were deliberately streamlined in any case and to be honest I found the whole 'quality' thing to be counter-productive in most instances (sledgehammer to crack a nut). By the time we had processes written in their simplest form we discovered hey presto thats what we were doing anyway! Hence I may have to be dragged kicking and screaming if ITIL proves to be a must for me.

3. All jobs I'm looking at seem to be quoting ITIL foundation as a minimum but I'm finding it rather difficult to accept all my experience has somehow become worthless. So can I actually get the ITIL foundation bit whilst not in employment?

4. Have also done some teaching (and have an entry level qualification to do so). It seems the world has gone mad for training since I've been away (zillions of NVQ's with no jobs at the end). So is it at all possible for me to get fully spammed up (ITIL Expert) again, without actually being in employment, so I could then go out and show others how to do it? I'm hoping my experience will at least give me some sort of 'credits' in terms of an entry point to retraining?

Profuse apologies for such a long first post. Please let me down gently

The course is about the same a 3 - 5 day Technical course for the likes of Microsoft etc

If you have the time and the money, do the following

1 - Get ITIL Foundation out of the way
2 - Get Prince2 out of the way
3 - Get ISO 20000 out of the way
4 - Get ISO 270001 out of the way
5 - get ISO 9000 out of the way
6 - 6 Sigma and CMMi come to mind

Start doing the itSMF trade show
Start doing the BCS shows

You also should check with any one you used to work with via Linked In and try to get yoru name noticed

Please note I have reserved a virtual bullet for you; however, the weapon is on back order; I wont have to shoot you anytime soon_________________John Hardesty
ITSM Manager's Certificate (Red Badge)

But please go to the back of the queue. You have only 24 years experience - much less than me and I'm nearly four years looking for work right now.

You're not far from here. Why not drop me an email?_________________"Method goes far to prevent trouble in business: for it makes the task easy, hinders confusion, saves abundance of time, and instructs those that have business depending, both what to do and what to hope."
William Penn 1644-1718

Maybe you can start networking with some companies who provide ITSM (not just ITIL) consulting & training services. They sometimes need ppl with industry experience (and more impotantly, people skills), the certification tickets can be obtained reasonably quickly, ie: get them to put you through their existing courses.

Another relatively fat track is to get some basic ProjMgt certs (eg: Prince2/3, PMBOK) and apply your experience to managing projects. Nothing worse than a snot-nosed PM with certication but no practical experience preaching what and how to do it.

PS: Condolences for your losses, but your family values and selflessness shows strength of character that a hiring manager should find attractive...

If you are paying for your own training, and have the commitment required, e-learning could be a good option - many providers provide a training passport - bundles of several courses at a reduced price. Because you have the practical experience as well, this could be a good option for you - contact me directly for some suggested providers_________________Liz Gallacher,
ITIL EXPERT
Accredited ITIL and ISO/IEC20000 Trainer and Consultant - Freelance